Historic World War I monument is reborn in Beaverton

Tereasa Nimsfor the Daily News

Published
1:50 am EDT, Saturday, May 26, 2018

Artist Chris Moran of South Boardman works on painting and increasing definition on Beaverton's World War I monument, 'The Survivor,' on Thursday at Ross Lake Park. City officials are excited to give residents and others a sneak peek of the statue during the Memorial Day events. (Tereasa Nims/for the Daily News) less

Artist Chris Moran of South Boardman works on painting and increasing definition on Beaverton's World War I monument, 'The Survivor,' on Thursday at Ross Lake Park. City officials are excited to give residents ... more

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Artist Chris Moran of South Boardman works on painting and increasing definition on Beaverton's World War I monument, 'The Survivor,' on Thursday at Ross Lake Park. City officials are excited to give residents and others a sneak peek of the statue during the Memorial Day events. (Tereasa Nims/for the Daily News) less

Artist Chris Moran of South Boardman works on painting and increasing definition on Beaverton's World War I monument, 'The Survivor,' on Thursday at Ross Lake Park. City officials are excited to give residents ... more

Historic World War I monument is reborn in Beaverton

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In recent days, as artists worked on restoring and detailing Beaverton's World War I memorial, "The Survivor," people have stopped to watch, some commenting they didn't even know it was there.

"I thought it was a washed-up slab of cement," said one resident riding by on his bicycle Thursday. "I had no clue its historical value."

Artists Chris Moran of South Boardman and Erick Forshee of Midland are working diligently on the tribute. Moran is working on the front of the monument while Forshee is employing the sides and back of the monument, which was erected in 1925.

Those involved hope that Memorial Day service-goers will get a more palpable sence of the sacrifices made to garner freedom as they see the memorial in its new attire. The World War I monument depicts a dead soldier, an injured soldier leaning against a cannon and a soldier standing tall with a rifle in hand as bombs explode.

The statue was the first of its kind in Michigan and was originally presented on June 14, 1925. It was reported that an estimated 3,000 people attended its unveiling. The American Legion Post 171 and residents' generosity made the statue possible. According to the World War I Commission, it's unknown if there are other statues like it in the state. The statue originally stood in front of Brown Machine and was later moved near the entrance to Ross Lake Park in 1986.

Moran said the statue was in rough condition following years of neglect. He said he and employees had to re-carve the structure to restore the detail, but said they were very careful not to damage the integrity or vision of the monument's original artist, Helmuth VonZengen.

"It's way ahead of schedule and it's going to look great during the service on Monday," said Beaverton Police Chief Brad Davis.

"It's great to see a small community come together for this," said Davis regarding the support, time and donations the monument received.

Veteran Ed Rachwitz, who spearheaded the restoration endeavor, said the detail of the monument has really "popped out" with the work the artists have done so far.

Plaques honoring the many local fallen military will line the back of the monument when completed.

Among those helping raise funds are Jeff Pitts of Gladwin, who served in the Navy in Vietnam, and Richard Roehrs of Beaverton, who served in the Air Force in World War II. Both say it is a privilege to help preserve the memorial.

Rachwitz said the artists expect to be complete with the memorial for a tentative June 30 ceremony. He said the date is dependent on the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission.

Rachwitz said they are still raising funds for the project, including a $5,000 maintenance endowment fund to help prevent the monument from returning to poor condition. Aiding in the fundraising, The American Legion Department of Michigan approved a $2,000 donation for the project last week.

In addition, Rachwitz said Beaverton City, Gladwin County American Legion Post 171 and hundreds of donations large and small from throughout the area and beyond have assisted the rebirth of the monument.

Memorial Day services are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in Beaverton and 11 a.m. in Gladwin.

To make donations to preserve the World War I statue or learn more about it, contact Rachwitz at appleed@hotmail.com and put World War I memorial in the subject line.